Univ. of Ala. president responds to sorority discrimination claims

[lin_video src=http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/player.js?aspect_ratio=16×9&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&div_id=videoplayer-1379116075&height=480&page_count=5&pf_id=9624&pl_id=21958&show_title=1&va_id=4329548&width=640&windows=2 service=syndicaster width=640 height=480 div_id=videoplayer-1379116075 type=script]TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The University of Alabama Board of Trustees is speaking out against racial discrimination in sororities on campus.

The subject is personal for Judge John England. His granddaughter was rejected from several sororities at the university. England and several sorority members say sorority alumni interfered with student votes to block a black woman from joining.

“I particularly appreciate President Pro Tem Bryant coming out affirmatively so that everyone gets a clear message saying we don’t do that at the University of Alabama,” Judge England said.

University of Alabama President Judy Bonner supports that message.

“The University of Alabama administration is working with our local chapters and their national organizations in order to remove any real or perceived barriers,” Bonner said. “We are going to help our young people do the right thing.”

England is comforted by the fact that students are the ones calling for change.

“Yes, we have to deal with some who still live in the past,” England said. “But there’s hope that it will stay in the past and not affect another youngster.”

Bonner and England did not comment on specific actions the university is taking to investigate the selection process.